Cook County (Ill.) Health and Hospital System CFO Michael Ayres says the financially-troubled system is having a difficult time filling patient billing jobs, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.
The staffing problem is one of several that could trigger a financial crisis for the system. Mr. Ayres predicted the system may be in $40 to $50 million short of their budget. CCHHS leaders say the system’s perceived instability and low pay make it tough to find qualified candidates for billing positions.
A recent consolidation of the billing system, intended to speed up the process, delayed claims submissions in January and February. By the end of the first quarter, patient revenues were $14.1 million short of the $63.8 million budgeted.
Other Cook County commissioners criticized the claims of staffing problems, saying it is difficult to believe job recruitment would be a problem in this economy and staff should be outsourced if it really is that burdensome.
Read the Sun-Times report on Cook County Health’s billing.
Read more about Cook County Health and Hospital System:
– Community Disapproves of Conversion Plans for Illinois’ Struggling Oak Forest Hospital
– Chicago’s Cook County Health Names Dr. Terry Mason Interim CEO
– Cook County Health System Moves Forward With Plans to Close Oak Forest Hospital
